Chapter 377: The dance partner hasn't arrived yet, was he stood up?
At seven in the evening, the night grew darker.
White snowflakes danced in the yellow light, and students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang left their carriages and giant ship respectively, passing through the gates of Hogwarts Castle.
Aaron changed into a black formal robe and also dressed Abey in a pet suit.
One man and one dragon walked out of the dormitory into the common room, where many male and female students gathered, feeling awkward but also teasing each other's fashion sense.
"You're wearing something too... ordinary!" Draco looked at Aaron with some confusion.
"Is there a problem?"
"No problem, but I always feel this suit is a bit too common.
Crabbe and Goyle are wearing the same type, and their partners..."
"Wait, they actually found partners?" Aaron asked in surprise, "Whose taste is so unique?"
Draco's mouth twitched slightly, "I was also very surprised they found partners.
Uh... they invited third-year Slytherins, two average-looking junior students who heard they could get your autograph agreed without much hesitation."
"what the f...!" Aaron's eyes widened in astonishment, and he turned to look at the two large figures in green robes, "You two have really grown some guts."
"You wouldn't be so stingy as to not give us even one autograph, would you!" Crabbe said with an awkward laugh.
"I heard Weasley even found a partner; we can't be worse than him, can we!" Goyle lowered his head guiltily, "Malfoydidn't object to our plan either."
Aaron's gaze shifted to Draco, who, noticing the resentment and anger in his eyes, immediately chuckled, "Two autographs for two partners, what a bargain!"
"Forget it, don't let it happen again." Aaron said weakly, "Considering we've known each other for three years, I'll give you the autographs tomorrow."
"We're eternally grateful." Crabbe and Goyle said in unison.
"But speaking of which, you're a Triwizard Tournamentchampion; you should at least dress a bit more grandly!"
Aaron waved his hand dismissively, "Our family only gets serious for weddings and funerals; other occasions aren't given much importance."
"Even so, you're a representative of Slytherin. What if you're outshone by Diggory and Potter..."
"You're thinking too much; most people wear what I'm wearing, and..." Aaron paused, then stood in front of Crabbeand Goyle, who had changed, "I personally think the clothes aren't the main thing, as long as they're not too exaggerated."
Draco couldn't help but smack his lips. Aaron standing between the two of them was like a Phoenix adorned by pheasants, exceptionally striking.
"Comparing them like this really leaves one speechless."
"It's almost time." Neller looked at his watch, "Everyone can set off. The Great Hall doors will open at eight o'clock, but before that, you need to find partners from other Houses or schools.
Of course, if your partner is a Slytherin, that's a different matter."
A group of Slytherins continuously passed through the archway, exited the underground common room, and headed towards the entrance hall.
The hall was crowded with students. Aaron and Dracoseparated and began searching for Hermione, but after walking around, he found nothing.
"She said she'd meet me here!" Aaron didn't think he'd been stood up, but not finding her, he felt a bit awkward standing there alone.
"Hi, Aaron." Cedric walked over and greeted him. His partner was Cho Chang, Harry's secret crush.
"Has your partner not arrived yet?"
"Perhaps I came a bit early.
Fleur and Krum haven't arrived yet either, have they?"
"You're here!"
As soon as the words fell, Fleur's voice came over.
She was wearing a silver-grey satin robe, with particularly bright silver hair, radiating charm and beauty.
"This is Roger Davies, my partner." Fleur introduced, "You probably all know him."
"An old friend." Cedric chuckled, "Captain of the RavenclawQuidditch team."
"Where's your partner?" Fleur looked at Aaron, with a hint of teasing in her eyes, "You didn't come alone, did you?"
"She'll be here soon."
"Krum and Potter haven't arrived yet?"
"No." Cedric shook his head, "There's still half an hour until it's time."
"You all chat; I'm going to find my partner, otherwise, I'll be too embarrassed to stand with you." Aaron said, then turned and walked up the stairs.
He had only taken a few steps when he bumped into Harryand Ron, whose partners were also not with them.
"Oh my goodness?" Aaron looked at Ron's dress robe and couldn't help but gasp, "Did you bring out some centuries-old antique from the Weasley family's collection?
This dress, no, this robe, it's too outrageous!
The color being brown is one thing, and the lace and modesty collar are tolerable, but what's with the frayed edges on the sleeves?"
"My mum sent it to me. I initially thought it was a dress for Ginny." Ron said, enduring immense humiliation and on the verge of tears, "George and Fred both have their own robes, but for me, it's... why me?"
"Because they received a large investment. Leon gave them several thousand Galleons, so a small portion for robes is definitely more than enough."
"Yes! They bought one for Ginny too, but I... I seriously doubt if I'm their real brother."
"Ginny is a girl; she needs to save face." Harry said a bit unnaturally, "As for you... you know George and Fred's personalities; they always love to stir up trouble. They wouldn't miss laughing at you for a lifetime."
Ron's face grew even uglier. If it weren't for the inappropriate occasion, he would have burst into tears.
"Alright, let's not talk about that for now.
Who can tell me where Hermione is? I can't find her."
"She hasn't arrived yet?" Ron said in surprise, "She started getting ready at five in the afternoon."
"Alright!" Aaron scratched his head, "Looks like I'll have to wait a bit longer."
"Who are your partners?"
"Parvati and Padma, one Gryffindor, one Ravenclaw." Harrysaid, his gaze unconsciously looking forward, seeing Cho Chang in a vibrant dress robe standing with Cedric, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness.
"Don't look; I told you to make a move earlier, but you hesitated."
Ron patted Harry's shoulder, comforting him, "It's okay, we've already found partners."
"Fleur is there too."
"What?" Ron's face instantly flushed, and he quickly hid behind Harry, "She didn't see me, did she?"
"Probably... not." Aaron said with a wry smile, "But you don't have to be so dramatic!"
"Harry and I are not the same." Ron said bitterly, "He at least looks decent. Me?
I'm dressed like an old lady, and I smell like an old lady too."
"Hello, you two."
The sisters Parvati and Padma walked over, and both looked at Ron's dress robe, a bit at a loss.
"This is truly..." Padma paused for a moment before adding, "fashionable."
"Potter, are you and Parvati ready?" Professor McGonagallhurried over and said, "It's almost time; the champions are responsible for leading the dance."
"Almost."
"Mr. Gaius, how about you?" Professor McGonagall asked Aaron.
"I think I might have to wait a bit longer; my partner hasn't arrived yet."
"What? But it's already this late."
"She'll make it in time."
"Alright!" Professor McGonagall nodded, "Potter, take Parvatito Cedric's group; you'll be lining up soon.
As for you, Weasley, you and Padma go into the Great Hallfirst."
After they left, Aaron continued to pace in place.
Krum walked into the entrance hall with his partner, likely a member of his fan club.
He stopped as he passed Aaron, "She hasn't arrived yet, has she?"
"Yes, not yet." Aaron said subconsciously, but quickly realized, "Who are you talking about?"
"Her...mi...one."
"Hermione." Aaron said exasperatedly, "Your pronunciation is a bit off."
Krum nodded slightly, not seeming embarrassed.
"Viktor!" Professor McGonagall called, "You need to come line up."
Krum immediately led his partner towards Cedric and the others.
"So, that means it's just me left." Aaron picked up Abey, "And you."
Time passed minute by minute. With less than five minutes until eight o'clock, Professor McGonagall and the other four champion pairs gradually shifted their gaze to Aaron.
"Mr. Gaius." Professor McGonagall anxiously called Aaronover, "Although I don't want to say this, but... if Miss Grangerstill doesn't arrive, I must advise you to find another partner."
"Wait a little longer, just a little longer."
"Still waiting?" Professor McGonagall's voice held clear anger, "There's no more time to wait."
"Professor, Hermione might have been delayed by something." Harry said, "You know her; she's always reliable, isn't she?"
"That's true, but now all the students and teachers are here.
The five champions of the Triwizard Tournament aren't ready. What do you expect me to do?" Professor McGonagallsaid with a worried frown, "Gaius, this concerns the reputation of Hogwarts."
Phew!
Aaron took a deep breath, "How much time is left?"
"Three minutes." Cedric looked at his watch, "Either Grangerarrives within three minutes, or you find another partner within these three minutes."
"Aaron, you heard him. It's not that I'm being unreasonable; there really is no time left." Professor McGonagall forced herself to calm down, "You wait here; I'll go help you find a partner."
She patted Aaron's shoulder and quickly turned to walk towards the crowd.
"Great." Aaron spread his hands, "I didn't expect my first time inviting a girl to a dance to end with me being stood up."
"Utterly embarrassing." Fleur laughed gleefully, "If you hadn't rejected my invitation back then, perhaps it wouldn't be this troublesome."
Aaron:... Roger Davies:... Is it really appropriate to say that in front of me, your partner?